Peace, development hallmarks of Azad’s policy: Vakil
Srinagar, May 13– Social Welfare Minister Abdul Gani Vakil has said that state-centric Confidence Building Measures initiated by Congress-led UPA government had a great impact in normalizing internal situation in the state. Opening of cross-LoC links like Jehlum valley and Poonch-Rawlakote routes has provided succor to divided families, he added.
Addressing a public meeting at Gutlibagh in Kangan today, he said it was unfortunate that regional outfits were claiming credit for the developments beyond their competence and power. These parties, he said were misleading people in a vain attempt to derive political mileage. State Congress leadership, particularly Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad could justifiably claim the credit, for he was then a minister in Central cabinet, he maintained. Senior leaders Mohammed Sharief Niaz, Aina Badr,. Farooq Andrabi, Dr. Abdul Ahad Itoo and Abdul Rehman Magray were present on the occasion. The Minister urged people to use their voting right sensibly to teach a lesson to opportunist leaders and defectors, adding that anti-defection act has been strengthened to choke their space in the state.
“You are supreme in democratic set-up and must act cautiously to avoid exploitation by such politicians in future”, he said.
The Minister dwelt in detail on the measures taken by Azad-led government to combat corruption and restore peace and normalcy in the state. He said exemplary punishment meted out to culprits in uniform has helped to bring down graph of custodial disappearances and killings to zero level.
Vakil also distributed cheques worth Rs. 3.30 lacs among 40 beneficiaries of the area under NFBS and RMV schemes. Former Minister and MLC Mohammed Sharief Niaz, in his speech said that chief minister Gh. Nabi Azad has scripted a new chapter of progress and development during over two years period only.
He said “revolutionary decision” taken by him for accelerating economic growth and political stability in the trouble- torn state has given him a prominent place in the annals of political history.